United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Food Stamp Reform Act - Eliminates the requirement, under the Food Stamp Act, that individuals receiving supplemental security income benefits under title XVI (grants to States for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled) of the Social Security Act shall not be considered eligible for food stamps if the supplemental income payments include the bonus value of food stamps. States that households in which a member is eligible to participate in the nutrition program for the elderly under the Older Americans Act, or is authorized to use coupons for meals on wheels, shall not be required to have cooking facilities. Modifies the eligibility standards for students. Lowers the work registration age limit for eligibility purposes from 65 to 60. States that the actual value of employer-provided housing (up to $25 per month) shall be taken into account for eligibility purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture in computing eligibility to allow a standard deduction of $125 plus $25 for each elderly person, after deductions for disaster or casualty losses, taxes, and other mandatory deductions. Eliminates the purchase price requirement and establishes an income formula for determining eligibility. Requires the Secretary to carry out a nutrition education program for recipients, including distribution of printed materials designed to teach recipients how to buy and prepare nutritious and economical meals. States that wrongfully denied food coupons shall be restored through a lump-sum cash payment. Requires bilingual assistance to be made available in areas where numerous potentially eligibile persons speak a language other than English. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey and report to Congress on the average and distribution of assets held by participants in the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot experiments for purposes of increasing the programs' efficiency and improving the delivery of benefits to eligible households.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey specifically described lands at the Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey, to the Airship Association as a site for an airship museum.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should, upon his visit to the People's Republic of China, request that the Chinese officials use their offices to obtain an accounting of members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action and confined as prisoners of war in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1975
Federal Taxpayers' Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and the Service during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Service (including administrative and judicial appeals); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the Service may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws (including assessment, jeopardy assessment, levy and distraint, and enforcement of liens). Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an office to be known as the Office of Taxpayer Services to be under the supervision and direction of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall assist taxpayers in obtaining easily understandable tax information and answering questions on tax liability, among other functions. States that, upon application filed by a taxpayer with the Office of Taxpayer Services, in such form, manner, and at such time as the Secretary or his delegate shall by regulations prescribe, the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services may issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Assistant Commissioner, the taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary or his delegate. Authorizes the President of the Legal Services Corporation to establish Taxpayer Representation Offices in four cities selected by such President for purposes of providing legal assistance to individuals in connection with: (1) any audit by the Service of any return made by or on behalf of the individual with respect to any tax imposed by chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or (2) an assessment or collection from any such individual of any tax imposed by such chapter. Provides for show cause hearings with respect to jeopardy assessments and termination of taxable years. Increases the monetary value of specified items to be exempt from levy. Provides criminal penalties (a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment for up to 2 years or both) for investigations into or surveillance over the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization which are not directly related to such revenue laws. Provides a civil cause of action for damages or an injunction, or both, for such violations. Prohibits inspection of tax returns pursuant to a criminal investigation unless a search warrant has issued upon probable cause to believe that no alternative source of necessary information is available. Provides rules for civil investigation related to: (1) payment of Social Security and Railroad Retirement taxes; (2) pension administration; (3) census information; (4) enforcement of taxpayers' rights under this Act; (5) inspection by States; (6) inspection by Committees of Congress; and (7) disclosure to persons having substantial interest (agents of partnerships and corporations, and shareholders of corporations). Provides a civil action for damages for unauthorized disclosure of tax information.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare should withdraw its proposed Consolidated Procedural Rules for Administration and Enforcement of the Department's statutory responsibilities. States that if additional positions are required for enforcement of Civil Rights laws such need should be brought to the attention of the Senate. Directs the Office of Civil Rights to continue to make efforts to detect systematic discrimination including those areas relating to discrimination based on sex and handicap.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Revises the authorization for the acquisition of land for the Edison National Historic Site in the State of New Jersey. Authorizes the appropriation of sums not to exceed $75,000 as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Revises the definitions, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, of "deposit", "branch", and "affiliate." Requires that the prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation be obtained before any State nonmember insured bank shall establish or operate any foreign branch. Revises the regulations governing reports of condition, termination of insured status, assumption of liabilities, and insurance of real estate of an insured bank. Imposes Federal regulations, under the Bank Service Corporation Act, on bank services contracted to another entity by an insured bank. Extends the class of persons liable for criminal misconduct under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Forbids the unauthorized grazing of any livestock upon the restricted land of any Indian or Indian tribe. Establishes a civil penalty of 10 times the fair market daily value of grazing by such livestock for owners of livestock who intentionally graze upon such land. Provides for impoundment by the Secretary of the Interior of livestock found to be trespassing.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Authorizes appropriations for the Board for International Broadcasting for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the President to furnish to Turkey defense articles and services for which contracts were signed on or before February 5, 1975, under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Provides that such authorization be effective only while Turkey observes the cease fire and neither increases its forces on Cyprus nor transfers any United States supplied arms thereto. Requests the President to discuss with Greece that country's needs for economic and military assistance and to report findings to Congress. Limits the authority of the President to suspend the ban on military assistance to the suspension of the ban with respect to equipment determined to be necessary to enable Turkey to fulfill her responsibilities as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Directs the President to report to Congress on progress made toward achieving a negotiated solution of the Cyprus problem. Requires Congressional review of any proposed sale of any defense article or service for $25,000,000 or more before the issuance of any letter of offer to sell pursuant to the Foreign Military Sales Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Directs the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year, 1975, to organize and convene a national conference to be known as the National Women's Conference. Sets forth the composition and goals of the Conference. Grants the Commission powers necessary to carry out this Act. Requires that the Commission submit a report to the President and each House of Congress not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the Conference. States that such report shall include findings and recommendations of the Conference. Authorizes the appropriation of not more than $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided thereunder to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States Senate of attempts to expel Israel for the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from officers on the active list of the Marine Corps. Provides that the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps shall have such authority and duties with respect to the Marine Corps as the Commandant of the Marine Corps, with the approval of the Secretary of the Navy, may delegate or prescribe for him. Provides that orders issued by the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps in performing such duties shall have the same effect as those issued by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Requires that when there is a vacancy in the office of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or during the absence or disability of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and then the officers of the Marine Corps on duty at Headquarters, Marine Corps, in order of seniority, unless otherwise directed by the President, shall perform the duties of the Commandant until a successor is appointed or the absence or disability ceases.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Nuclear Career Incentive Act - Provides that officers of the naval service who are designated as qualified for duty in connection with the supervision, operation, and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants, or are in training that leads to such qualification, and who are entitled to basic pay shall be entitled to continuous monthly incentive pay in the amount set forth in this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to make annual reports to the Armed Services Committees containing data to monitor the effectiveness of this Act. (Adds 37 U.S.C. 312(b))
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands and buildings in the area of Treasure Island, Kingswood Township in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Designates such area as the Treasure Island National Historical Site in recognition of the oldest Boy Scout camp in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Enables the President to authorize the involuntary order to active duty of Selected Reservists, for a period not to exceed 90 days, whether or not a declaration of war has been made by the Congress, or a national emergency has been declared by the President. Provides that not more than 50,000 Selected Reservists may be on active duty under this Act at any one time. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 673b)
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Directs that during fiscal year 1976 not less than 70 percent of the value of government-to-government commodity grants and of funds expended under title I of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 shall be allotted to countries designated by the United Nations as "Most Seriously Affected". Establishes priorities for such distribution. Establishes procedures whereby the President may, subject to congressional approval, provide commodity assistance in excess of the limitations specified in this resolution if such assistance is for humanitarian purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, an income tax credit for the costs of maintaining or restoring the exterior appearance and structural soundness of qualified historic buildings and structures.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Secuirty Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Urges the President to seek an immediate international suspension of the transfer to nonnuclear weapons countries of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing facilities and technology to permit time for the negotiation of additional safeguards to reduce the risk of diversion or theft of plutonium and other nuclear materials to military or other uses that would jeopardize world peace and security.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
National Nutrition Education Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to encourage the provision of nutrition education programs in the classrooms and lunchrooms of elementary and secondary schools by establishing a system of grants for teacher training, pilot and demonstration projects, and the development of comprehensive nutrition education programs. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State educational agencies and institutions of higher education for teacher training with respect to the provision of nutrition education programs in schools. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the provision of grants. Provides that the Commissioner may make grants to State and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other public or private nonprofit education or research agencies, institutions, or organizations to pay the cost of pilot demonstration projects in elementary and secondary schools with respect to nutrition education and nutrition-related problems. States that the Commissioner may make grants to State education agencies to pay the Federal share of the cost of developing and carrying out nutrition education programs in elementary and secondary schools within each State. Sets forth criteria to be followed in applying for grants under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to render technical assistance to local education agencies, through qualified staff members having expertise in nutrition, health education, school food services, home economics, dietetics, and physical education, to public and private nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education for the development and implementation of education programs with respect to nutrition education and nutrition-related problems. Stipulates that in order to be eligible for assistance under this Act a State shall appoint a State coordinator for nutrition education. Directs the State coordinator for each State to develop, prepare, and furnish to the Commissioner a comprehensive plan for nutrition education within that State. Establishes in the Office of Education in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a National Nutrition Education Resources Center. Sets forth the functions of the Center, including the following: (1) to collect and create curriculum materials relevant to nutrition education, including, but not limited to, the integration of nutrition education materials into all subject matter at the elementary and secondary education levels; and (2) to collect information and materials relating to nutrition education and maintain such information and materials in a library for the use of State coordinators and other interested persons. Authorizes appropriations of up to $2,000,000 per fiscal year to establish and maintain the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Local Rail Service Amendments - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish procedures for reviewing local-service line decisions which will give full and adequate consideration to the national goals specified by the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Requires the Consolidated Rail Corporation to collect information sufficient to permit an accurate determination of the revenues, costs, and operations of light density rail lines as operating and economic units. Specifies that the final system plan required by the Regional Rail Reorganization Act shall designate those rail lines which the United States Railway Association determines: (1) are not required to provide rail service to meet the goals and requirements of this Act and which should not be transferred to the Corporation or offered for sale to a profitable railroad at that time, and (2) what rail carrier should be required to perform interim service over each such line under subsidy as provided by this Act. Requires that copies of the final system plan and the local service plan be delivered to each district court of the United States or any other court having jurisdiction over a railroad in the region. States that interim service must be provided over such lines until the local service plan is implemented. Authorizes the Secreatry of Transportation to reimburse the Corporation or other railroad performing the service for any loss which it shall incur in the operation of such lines, and to pay to the owner of rail properties over which such service is performed an amount representing the return on the value thereof. Directs the Rail Service Planning Office to solicit, evaluate, and provide the Corporation with a report summarizing the views of specified individuals with respect to present and future rail service on such lines. Sets forth procedures governing reinstitution of service on out-of-service lines. Requires the Corporation to deliver the local service plan to Congress within 660 days following the effective date of the final service plan. Authorizes appropriations of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Makes the offering of supplemental health services, as defined by the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973, optional by health maintenance organizations. Eliminates the requirement imposed by such Act that health maintenance organizations offer annual open enrollment for individual membership. Redesignates medical treatment and referral services for drug or alcohol abuse or addiction and home health services as supplemental health services for purposes of such Act. Enables private entities to obtain federally guaranteed loans for the planning, initial development, and operation of a health maintenance organization to serve populations in addition to medically underserved populations. Includes State and local governmental employers as among those employers which must offer employees the option of membership in a health maintenance organization. Sets forth new procedures, penalties, and other requirements to be applied by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare where health maintenance organizations are alleged to be in noncompliance with such Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for programs under such Act an additional two years.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Requires the continued application of the minimum nursing salary cost differential of 8 1/2 percent which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Provides that in addition to any other requirement imposed by law as a condition of Federal financial participation in any State welfare program, there is imposed expressly the requirement that the State give its consent (thereby waiving any immunity to suit conferred upon the State or State officers by the 11th amendment of the Constitution) to the exercise of the judicial power of the United States in any suit brought by a claimant regarding such program. States that the acceptance of Federal aid by a State welfare program after the effective date of this Act shall constitute consent to such a suit.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension on underground nuclear testing to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from underground testing, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear tests.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Makes the following changes in title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to: (1) eliminates the special dependency requirements for entitlement to husband's and widower's insurance benefits; (2) provides benefits for widowed fathers with minor children; (3) provides that benefits for husbands, widowers, and fathers will be payable on the same basis as benefits for wives, widows, and mothers; (4) permits the payment of benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record where that method of computation provides a higher combined benefit; and (5) provides eligibility for unmarried divorced husbands of insured individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue gold commemorative coins bearing the seal or symbol of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Authorizes amounts available but not committed for military assistance to South Vietnam and Cambodia to be used for humanitarian assistance for refugees from South Vietnam and Cambodia.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Provides that priority for local lead elimination programs financed through the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act shall go to homes in which reside children with lead-based paint poisoning. Provides for the reduction of the amount of lead allowed in paint to 0.06 percent by weight. Authorizes appropriations for programs under such Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Childhood Lead Based Paint Poisoning Advisory Board to advise the Secretary a policy relating to the administration by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act - Authorizes, under the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to aid aliens who have fled from Cambodia or Vietnam. Sets forth time limitations upon the application of such aid. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Requires that food stamps be allotted in an amount equal to 90 percent of the cost of the low cost diet plan as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that housing representing payment of income in kind shall be counted as income of up to $25 per month. Makes any household having an individual 18 years of age or older and claimed as a dependent by an individual outside of the household ineligible to receive food stamps. Authorizes elderly and disabled individuals to use food stamps to purchase meals prepared and delivered by a political subdivision or private nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code. Revises procedures for certification and informing potential recipients. Provides for the creation of a Food Stamp Advisory Board to be consulted prior to regulation changes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, and seven members appointed by the Librarian of Congress. Directs the Librarian to appoint a Director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, loans and scholarships to promote and support American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in his annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Requires federally related health care facilities to test infants born in the facility or brought to it for health care for specified diseases. Defines a "federally related health care facility" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the seven calendar days commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week".
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1975
Authorizes to be appropriated to the President for fiscal year 1975, to remain available until expended, $50,000,000 for the purpose of providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and other needy people who are victims of the conflict in Cambodia. Requires the President to transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report describing fully and completely: (1) the amount of each type of economic assistance provided under this Act; (2) the expected recipients of such assistance; (3) the names of all organizations and agencies involved in the distribution of such assistance; and (4) the means with which such distribution is carried out.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Provides a five-year moratorium on application of the penalty imposed (through a reduction in the credit allowed employers against the Federal unemployment tax) by the Internal Revenue Code on States which have failed to make timely repayment of advances made to the State's unemployment account.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
State Lottery Exemption Act - Exempts State-conducted lotteries, sweepstakes, and wagering pools, as well as vending machines maintained by State agencies for such purposes, from the wagering tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Authorizes expanded home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriations from general revenues to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust and to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for fiscal years beginning with 1976 of amounts necessary to reimburse such trust funds with 100 percent of the expenditures required to expand the program authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that during the Nation's present economic crisis, and so long as the national unemployment rate remains at 6 percent or more, emergency unemployment compensation programs should be extended to continue benefits for involuntarily unemployed individuals when 25 percent or more of workers entitled to compensation thereunder are unable to find jobs during the period for which they are eligible for benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Amendments - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish, under the National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Act, a national program for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for projects for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States to establish and maintain adequate public health programs for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for venereal disease surveillance activities and casefinding and case followup activities respecting venereal disease.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
States that it is the purpose of this Act to insure the free flow of oil in foreign and interstate commerce at the lowest possible price. Revises the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act by providing that on and after October 15, 1975, no person shall import into the United States any crude oil or refined petroleum product unless it has been purchased from the Federal Energy Administration, or manufactured from crude oil purchased from the Administration. Establishes a fine for importation in violation of such requirement. Sets forth the functions of the Administration. States that the Administration shall act as the exclusive agent of the United States in buying and selling petroleum products. Directs the Administration to function without loss or profit. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Administrator to submit to the President, for transmittal to Congress, an annual report which shall include a financial accounting of purchases and sales by the Administration together with recommendations by the Administrator for additional necessary legislation. States that the General Accounting Office shall audit the functions of the Administration under this Act semi-annually and report to the President and Congress. Imposes criminal penalties for the divulgence of information required to be kept secret by this Act. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1924)
![Official portrait of Sen. Case, Clifford P. [R-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000220_200.jpg)